HOTEL ALHAMBRA

HOTEL ALHAMBRA

The Hotel Alhambra is one of my favorite hotels in Granada. I am reminded that I may be in Spain or Paris, in one of those little cafes overlooking the town square, sipping wine and watching a kaleidoscope of people, the vibrant colors, the music, the warm air, and then suddenly I remember, I am in Granada, Nicaragua, a very special place so few people know. I could imagine a writer would sit here in times past and write by hand and pen one of those great little novels with hard embossed covers, between the drags on his cigarette and sips of his coffee. That was in the days before laptops and net books. And here we are, overlooking the town square, the Parque Central or also known as the Parque Colon and you, too, can while away the hours on their terrace, sipping a drink or a wonderful cup of that special Nicaraguan coffee. This hotel is an absolute gem, a pearl in this lively cultured city. If you are looking for a big chain hotel atmosphere, this is not the hotel for you. Leave.

However, if you are looking for something more exquisite, to be surrounded by beauty, a Latin American ambiance, a great location, this luxury small hotel is the place to stay in Granada. The lobby of the hotel is adorned with sculpture, art, lush tropical plants and flowers, Colonial décor, tiled floors, a fountain. Who could ask for more of their surroundings?

There are 60 large rooms, all beautifully decorated in the Colonial style, with

The front of the Hotel Alahambra

balconies opening to the garden in the back or the town square in the front. Each room has air conditioning, Cable TV, a mini bar, telephone, safety deposit boxes and a private bathroom. For the very best of rooms at the hotel, book a deluxe room for your vacation in Granada.

The Hotel Alhambra has a restaurant which serves excellent Nicaraguan and international cuisine on their menu. There is also, as I said, the terrace café which is delightful. It’s a wonderful place to people watch on the Parque Central, listening to the Latin music which plays on the Square soaking up the ambiance, watching the people passing to and fro. Other services at the Hotel include a souvenir shop, internet, fax services, travel assistance, and car rental services. From the hotel, you can also rent a horse carriage to take you around the city of Granada. Renting a horse carriage and driver is one of the best ways, besides walking, to see the city. For business conferences, there is a conference room which seats 100 people at the hotel. There is a small swimming pool in the Hotel Alhambra, which is perfect for a quick dip, to cool off from the heat of the sun, surrounded by palm trees and other lush tropical fauna.

Because Nicaragua is not yet a popular tourist destination, the cost of a hotel room here and everywhere in Nicaragua is an absolute bargain. Hotel rooms at the Alhambra start at $70 US per night. However, be warned, as I spread the secrets of Nicaragua. The tourists will start coming in droves and, as always, the prices will rise as tourism to this wonderful place grows.

The hotel staff is professional, helpful and polite and speak Spanish and English. They’re helpful and friendly, always willing to answer your questions about where to go and what to see. The staff at a hotel always make a difference in your stay.

You can make a hotel reservation online at the Alhambra hotel website. If you are looking for something special, The Hotel Alahambra is a precious treasure to discover in Granada, Nicaragua.